Chapter 9: Chapter Nine

Meira leaned against the sliding door frame, watching Raine as he stood by the banister, gazing out into the night without focus.

She’d heard him knock on her door hours earlier, but she had felt too wrecked to answer. She knew that if he saw her in that state, he’d be angry.

“Hey,” he greeted, still looking away. “You’re awake now?”

“Um... yeah.” She cleared her throat, stepping off the door frame to walk over to him. “Thank you for taking care of the twins.”

“It’s nothing.” He glanced back at her, his frown deepening as he straightened. “Have you been crying?”

“Me? Of course not.” She looked away, shaking her head.

Raine reached out, gently turning her face back toward him and holding it. “Liar, liar, Meira on fire,” he sang softly. “Tell me the truth.”

She tried to avert her gaze, but his hand held her in place, leaving her no choice but to meet his eyes, hoping he wouldn’t be angry.

“Stella knows something. She knows I’m staying here with you, and she thinks I’m cheating on Richard,” she admitted, her voice quiet.

Raine studied her, his frown deepening. “That’s not all, is it?” His tone grew serious. “Did Richard call you?”

She nodded, sighing. “Yes. He knows I’m living here now, and he said something about you… having feelings for me?” She searched his face. “He was lying, right?”

“You know I like you,” he said, voice hoarse, dropping his hands.

“No, he said he’s known for a while… since he introduced us years ago.” She shook her head. "Was he telling the truth?”

“Does it matter?” His expression was hard. “You cried because of that?”

“Of course not.” Her tone grew sharp. “You’re avoiding the question.” She crossed her arms. “I cried because I realized how foolish I was to give my heart to the first man who showed me attention.”

“I’m sure many others looked your way before Richard,” he scoffed.

She huffed, then gave him a frustrated shove. “Stop avoiding it! What was he talking about?”

“I don’t know, okay!” he retorted, his voice rising. “If you want to touch me, just say so—I’ll give you carte blanche.”

“I don’t want to touch you! I want an answer!” she retorted sharply.

“Why is it so important?” He moved closer, forcing her to step back. “Would you even do anything if I told you?”

“I just need to know.” She replied, her voice almost a whisper.

“I can’t tell you.” He replied, shaking his head as he looked away.

“Because you think I can’t handle it?” she muttered, her eyes narrowing.

“No, because I know you’re not ready to hear it.” He sighed, turning away.

“You love me,” she said quietly as he started to walk off. “You’re in love with me... aren’t you, Raine?”

He froze mid-step but didn’t turn to face her. “Do you want me to love you?” he asked softly. “The way you deserve to be loved?”

“I... You deserve someone better,” she told him. “Someone who can give you their whole heart. I can’t offer you that.”

“Too bad,” he said, turning with a sad smile. “But lucky for you, I don’t want anyone else. Good night, Meira.” He walked away.

She stayed out until the rain started, only retreating inside when the chill became unbearable. Locking the door behind her, she made her way upstairs to bed, lost in thought.

~~~~~~

“Hey Mom, are you okay?” Gabe asked, concern etched on his face as Meira joined Raine and the twins for breakfast the next morning.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” she replied, forcing a smile. “I’m sorry I didn’t wait to pick you up from school.”

“Oh, don’t worry! We had a blast with Uncle Raine,” Gabi chimed in, grinning. “Mommy, did you know Uncle Raine used to be in a boy band in school?”

“Really?” Meira raised her eyebrows, intrigued. “In high school?”

“Yeah.” Raine nodded looking solemn. “After everything that happened, we just went our separate ways.”

“Oh,” Meira said, absorbing this new information.

“Can we do it again today, Uncle Raine?” Gabe asked, eyes shining. “Mom will be with us today, so it should be fun!”

“I’m sorry, Gabe, but I won’t be available today,” Raine replied gently. “Maybe tomorrow?”

“Okay,” Gabe said, his excitement deflating as he looked down at his plate.

“You know what?” Raine suddenly brightened. “I can have my meeting postponed. We’ll do it today. How does that sound?”

“Will that affect your work?” Gabe asked, hope creeping back into his voice.

“I’m sure they won’t mind. Family comes first for me,” Raine grinned, and Gabe mirrored his smile.

Meira watched as Raine chatted with the twins about their plans for the day, and tears began to well in her eyes. She realized Richard had never taken the time to sit and talk with his own children like this.

Raine, despite having an important meeting, prioritized their happiness and postponed it. It all clicked into place.

“Thank you,” Meira said softly after the kids rushed out of the dining room to grab their school bags.

“For what?” Raine asked, puzzled.

“Just… thank you,” she replied, offering him a genuine smile.

“It’s nothing,” he assured her, though she could see the warmth in his eyes.

“It’s not nothing.” Rising from her seat, she leaned down and pressed a soft kiss against his lips, catching him off guard. “It’s everything.”

“Why did you do that?” he whispered, surprised.

“I felt like it,” she said, smiling playfully. “But just to be clear, this is not an invitation to sleep with me or kiss me.”

“I’ll take it how I want to,” he replied with a cheeky grin. “And to me, it’s definitely an invitation.”

Meira narrowed her eyes at him, a mix of irritation and amusement on her face, before playfully shoving his head and walking away.

~~~~~~

“Mr. Cruz has been driving you to and from school for over a week now, Meira,” Stella said, sliding into the seat across from her in the staff canteen. “So, you’re officially living with him? Did you break up with Richard?”

Meira sighed, putting her book down and glancing up. Stella had been relentlessly probing for information for days, and Meira was nearing her breaking point. Despite having her own serious marital problems to address, Stella still found the time to meddle in Meira's life.

“What does it matter if Mr. Cruz has become my personal chauffeur?” Meira replied, her tone icy.

“I’m just pointing it out,” Stella countered. “Don’t you realize that people are already talking about you? Even at church.”

“And what are they saying?” Meira asked flatly.

“Just rumors that you left Richard for someone richer,” Stella shrugged.

“Have you seen Richard around?” Meira asked, trying to keep her composure.

“No,” Stella replied, shaking her head. “Did he go away?”

“Why are you asking me? You know where he is,” Meira snapped. “Can you stop pretending to be nice for just a moment? It’s infuriating.”

Stella looked taken aback. “What did I do?”

“I don’t like you, Stella. I never have. I only tried to be civil because we’re colleagues, but don’t push me.” Meira’s voice was low but firm.

“I don’t like you either, husband snatcher!” Stella shot back, her voice rising, drawing the attention of nearby teachers. “You stole your best friend’s husband. Richard was never married to you, was he?”

Meira’s face paled as whispers erupted among the other teachers. She had always known the truth would eventually come to light, but she never anticipated it happening so soon. Angela had brazenly spilled everything to Stella, showing no remorse for her husband's actions.

Why would Angela feel remorse at all? It was evident she had been complicit in the scheme from the start. While Richard was dismantling Meira’s life piece by piece, Angela pretended to be a supportive friend with a smile on her face.

“Angela called me and told me everything,” Stella sneered. “How your family ruined Richard’s life and he got close to you for revenge. You’re just Richard’s mistress pretending to be his wife, but you’re not—Angela is his legal wife.”

Meira sprang to her feet, glared down at Stella, and delivered a sharp slap across her face. "You're a real piece of work, you know that, Stella?" Meira's voice trembled, her anger barely contained. "You walk around acting so self-righteous, but your husband has another family outside, too. Sure, you might be his legal wife, but you're not the woman he loves anymore. So I guess we're even."

Stella's eyes flashed as she clutched her cheek. "Did you just slap me?" She rose to her feet, seething. "You dare raise that filthy hand of yours against me?"

"It's what bitches like you deserve," Meira shot back.

"Slut," Stella hissed, before swinging her fist into Meira's face. Gasps erupted from the surrounding teachers as Meira hit the floor, and then horrified expressions spread across their faces as Stella pounced, fists flying as she continued to pummel Meira.

"Get off me!" Meira yelled, managing to shove Stella back and kick her in the stomach. "You're insane!"

"What's going on here?!" The head mistress's sharp voice cut through the chaos. Mrs Lawanson strode forward with a disapproving scowl. She shook her head as she looked at both of them. "I want to see you both in my office, now." She turned and matched out of the staff cafeteria.

"You'll pay for this," Stella spat, venom in her voice.

"Not if I make you pay first, bitch," Meira retorted, glaring daggers at her.